Joao Luiz Pozzobon, Evangelizer of the Family in the Post-Modern Age

Theological Symposium on Joao Luiz Pozzobon

En septiembre, hay un simposio teologico-pastoral  sobre la familia In september, there will be a theological-pastoral symposium on family Im September ist ein theologisch-pastorales Symposium über Familie
Recien publicado:  libro sobre el Seminario Teologico Just published: book on the Theological Seminary Jetzt veröffentlicht: Buch über das Theologische Seminar
Joao Pozzobon en su visita a Alemania en 1979 John Pozzobon during his visit to Germany in 1979 Joao Pozzobon bei seinem Besuch in Deutschland 1979 Fotos: Arendes/Gomes © 2006
Fotos: © 2006

BRAZIL, Fr. Alexandre Awi de Mello.  A theological reflection on the person and the work of Joao Pozzobon is the objective of this Symposium which is promoted by the Cause for Canonization of J.L.Pozzobon and the Pontifical Catholic University of Parana (PUCPR).

Normally, John Pozzobon is known and presented as a man of simple faith - a man of the people - a typical exponent of religiosity of the people.  For many people, it is almost impossible to think that he has something to say to the present theology and that he can be studied under this point of view.  Nevertheless, a study such as this is very important for the process of canonization.  Father Kentenich was aware of the theological and pastoral value of the work of Pozzobon: "Our young theologians seek a new pastoral approach.  Here they have it.  What Dom Joao does is the pastoral approach we need.  He tries to find opportunities so that the Blessed Mother can be more apparent." (Uriburu, A HERO TODAY, NOT TOMORROW).

First Step:  A Theological Seminar

The first step in deepening the theological content  of the life and work of Pozzobon took place in September of 2005 when a first Theological Seminar took place in Santa Maria. At that time, eight studies were presented by theologians who were Pallottines, Schoenstatters and a diocesan priest.  The Seminar has just been published as a book.  Aspects of Pozzobon's theological thinking which were studied were:  Mariology, spirituality. faith and morals, pastoral approach, family pastoral approach, social dimension and Vatican II.

Participating in the seminar was the present Bishop of Santa Maria, Dom Helio, and the Bishop Emeritus, Dom Ivo Lorscheiter, in addition to 30 other persons from the Schoenstatt communities and the Pallottine Fathers.  The exchange was surprising and very enriching and led the participants to decide to organize a Symposium to further deepen Pozzobon's theological-pastoral support for the Church and the present society.

Next Step:  A Theological Symposium

The Symposium will take place in Londrina, in the South of Brazil, on the 16th and 17th of September of 2006.  The selected topic is:  Joao Luiz Pozzobon, Evangelizer of the Family in the Post-Modern Age.  The main guest is the Auxiliary Bishop of Salvador, Dom Jose Carlos Petrini, Doctor of Sociology, Coordinator of the Tribunal for the Family in Contemporary Society for the Catholic University of Salvador and Director of the Pontifical institute J.Paul II for studies on Marriage and Family.

What does someone so simple have to say to theologians and doctors?

In a testimony published in a book with the lectures from the seminar, I recorded my experience: "I confess being among those who, because of their academic formation, find it hard to believe that such a simple person with an apostolic work apparently so much  of the people and pious, and suspicious of an 'excessive Mariology,' would have something to say to theologians and students.  Somewhat distrustful, more because of the impending task than my own conviction, I dared to penetrate the life and work of Joao Luiz Pozzobon from a theological perspective.  Frightened and reverent, I could attest to a double transformation.  The simple man was revealed as a complete man.  The man of the people became a man of God.  The pious man appeared to me as a mystic.  The ignorant man became a sage and the illiterate man became a true theologian.  The "fanatic of mary" was transfigured into her icon!  And in the strength of this discovery, the theologian became more humble - more of the people - more religious - more Marian and more eager for knowledge."

Fr. Alexandre Awi de Mello is a Professor of Theology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Parana (PUCPR) and Coordinator of the Symposium

Translation   Carlos Cantu   Family Federation   La Feria, Texas USA